What is the MOD function?
What does mod stand for in math? MOD stands for modulus, an operation to find the remaining number after a division operation.
What is the MOD function in Excel? A function to calculate the remainder of the division.
MOD Function Syntax
MOD(number, divisor)
number, required, the number to be divided
divisor, required, the number that will divide the number argument
Usage Note:
- If divisor value is 0, then returns an error #DIV/0!
- MOD function result sign always the same as the divisor sign argument.
How to Use MOD Function in Excel
For example, there are data such as the image below. What is the result of the MOD function in column C?
MOD Function #1
=MOD(A2,B2)
The MOD function returns an error #DIV/0! Because the divisor value is 0
MOD Function #2
=MOD(A3,B3)
There is no remainder for each number divided by 1
MOD Function #3
=MOD(A4,B4)
Three divides by two have one remaining; a minus sign appears because the divisor has a minus sign.
MOD Function #4
=MOD(A5,B5)
Not for integer number only, you can use the MOD function for a decimal number. No remainder for 3 divides by 1.5
MOD Function #5
=MOD(A6,B6)
Like the 5th MOD function, you can use decimal number both in number and divisor argument. Three divides by 2.5 return 1 for the remaining number.
Please see the image below for the results of the five functions above.
Another Alternative How to MOD
Another way to do MOD is to use mathematical formulas. The formula below gives the same results as the MOD function.
MOD(n, d) = n - d*INT(n/d)
n is the number argument, d is the divisor argument, and INT is rounding down function to the nearest integer.
The results are as shown below.
The MOD function or its alternatives gives the same results. For me, the Excel MOD function is better, than having to write a longer formula 🙂
